Science Week

Louise Macfarlane, Academic Dean of Science 

Hoverboards activity 

On 21 August, as part of Science Week, students had a unique opportunity to ride hoverboards on the courts, thanks to Mr Johnston, our Systems Engineering Teacher.

The hoverboards work by using leaf blowers to push air through a skirt with strategically placed holes. This airflow creates a small cushion between the hoverboard and the ground, allowing riders to glide smoothly across any flat surface. 

Students described the experience as 'awesome' and thoroughly enjoyed this exciting activity.

Science Week Pizza Trivia 

The Science Week Pizza Trivia event held on 21 August was a great success, with over 100 attendees joining in the fun. The event was organised by our talented and creative Science Leaders — Chester Webb, Claire Yu, Calista Yap and Alycia Liew.

The competition was intense, with teams displaying a strong rivalry. Students had the chance to showcase their knowledge across various scientific fields, culminating in a victory for the Year 12 team. 

Congratulations to Year 12 students Victoria Hu, Jude Teo, Jack Campbell-Manley, Melody Xu, Tina Qi and Sofia Semechko for their impressive win!

Reptile Encounters

On 22 August, Year 8 students participated in a fascinating reptile encounter incursion. This hands-on experience allowed students to touch or hold a variety of animals, including a stick insect, a pinecone lizard, an eastern long-neck tortoise, a freshwater crocodile, a green tree frog, an olive python, a red-tailed black cockatoo and a woylie.

During the encounter, students learned about the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems of these animals, enhancing their understanding of body systems as part of their Science curriculum.

Space Rocks

On 22 August, Dr Angus Rogers visited Kilvington to lead a Science Week activity focused on meteorites. Dr Rogers has travelled globally and explored deserts to discover tektites and micrometeorites. Unlike Earth rocks, meteorites are often much older and offer rare samples from other worlds — planets, asteroids and potentially comets — within our solar system.

Students learned about Dr Rogers' journey as a scientist and then had the chance to sort through samples to find their own meteorites. They also examined tektites under light microscopes, gaining hands-on experience with these intriguing extraterrestrial materials.